E-Malt.com Flash 17a. April 25

Belgium: InBev has registered 4.4% growth of beer sales volume for Q1 2004

World’s brewing giant, InBev, announced on April 26 it has sold a total volume of 47.3 million hectolitres (including beer and soft drinks) in the first quarter of 2005. The company has registered for Q1 2004 organic volume growth of 4.4% for beer and 2.9% for soft-drinks, totaling 4.1% growth against the same period of last year. Overall beer market share grew or was maintained in more than half of InBev’s largest markets.

In North America, the US market slowdown led to a 13.5% volume decline partially offset by the Canadian volume growth of 0.9%. The quarter ended on a positive note with March volume growth of 3.9% for the Zone.

In Central and South America, beer volumes were up across the board, except in Guatemala. In Brazil, beer market share improved 3.0 percentage points over the first quarter of 2004, reaching 68.0% on the back of 12.9% volume growth. The Hispanic Latin American (HILA) countries also delivered strong organic volume growth of 9.5%.

Trading in Western Europe was challenging, with volumes declining by 6.9% - Benefralux lower by 5.6%; Germany/Italy/Spain/Austria/Switzerland decreased by 4.5% and UK/Ireland declined by 8.1%.

Overall beer volume growth in Central and Eastern Europe was 4.4%, as a result of strong growth in Russia/Ukraine (+10.6%) combined with weak volume developments in the Balkans (-6.9%) and Hungary/Croatia/Czech Republic (-5.0%).

In Asia Pacific, volumes declined 17.3% in China although market share was maintained in the provinces in which we trade; these lower volumes were partially offset by 2.9% volume growth in South Korea. Within Asia Pacific, overall volume was up in March 2005 0.6% versus March 2004 ...more info

Malaysia: Carlsberg A/S has become the majority shareholder in Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad

Carlsberg A/S announced it increased its ownership in Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad from 49.66% to 51% on April 27...more info

Canada: Brick Brewing Co. Ltd. is to build a C$7 million distribution centre

Canada’s Brick Brewing Company Ltd. announced on April 25 it is about to begin construction on a C$7 million building designed to accommodate its growing business...more info

Netherlands: Heineken is investing an extra EUR 100 mln in marketing and packaging innovation during 2005

Dutch beer giant, Heineken NV announced on April 25 it intends invest an extra EUR 100 million in 2005 in marketing and packaging innovation.

Heineken made the comment in a statement on introduction of its new portable draught beer system, the 4.75 L Heineken DraughtKeg. Dutch brewer said DraughtKeg will allow consumers to experience a premium quality draught beer at virtually any drinking occasion. Heineken launched this innovation in France on April 25 and in the USA in May 2005, with further market introductions to follow.

Heineken, the world's fourth largest brewer in terms of sales, said: “The portable DraughtKeg has been developed for consumers who like to share and enjoy a quality draught beer in or outdoors and is relevant to the various beer cultures worldwide.”

During the international media presentation in Paris, Thony Ruys, Chairman of the Executive Board of Heineken N.V. commented: "As announced at our 2004 full year results presentation, we are investing an additional EUR 100 million annually in marketing and packaging innovation during 2005. Following on from our BeerTender, the first home draught beer system launched in 2004, we are delighted to announce DraughtKeg, another innovation break-through draught beer system. This is part of our strategy to further improve volumes and sales mix addressing the changing consumer dynamics and will strengthen our leadership position in the premium segment of the beer markets." ...more info

USA: Brazilian Brahma beer brand will be launched in USA on June 1 2005

InBev USA announced Brazilian Brahma beer brand will be launched on June 1 in Los Angeles; San Diego; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; and Miami. By the end of June and early July 2005 Brahma is to be launched in New York, Chicago, Boston, Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Brahma will be available in 12-ounce bottles in six- and 12-packs.

InBev announced earlier the global expansion of its Brazilian Brahma beer brand to more than 15 countries, including the United States. First brewed in Brazil in 1888, Brahma now brings to the U.S. its curvaceous bottle and distinct taste as the eighth largest beer brand in the world. The product offers a light and crisp finish with papaya after notes in an ergonomic bottle that fits into consumers' hands.

Colombia: Heineken NV is looking at Colombia's biggest brewer Bavaria

Dutch brewer Heineken NV is looking at Colombia's biggest brewer Bavaria as part of plans to expand in Latin America, Heineken’s chief executive said on April 25...more info

Malt News

Brazil: Imports of malt are to increase

In 2003-2004 Brazil imported 810,000 metric tonnes of malt (grain equivalent)...more info

Australia: Joe White Maltings is progressing in A$40 million upgrade

Construction work at the Joe White Maltings (JWM) Forrestfield plant (WA) is progressing in the $40 million upgrade commissioned by parent company ABB Grain Ltd....more info

Barley News

Canada: Barley production is to decline in 2005-2006, Malting barley prices to be pressured

Canada barley production in 2005-2006 is forecasted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to decrease by about 0.5 million tonnes...more info

China: Chinese malting barley imports increased in January-February this year

In January-February 2005 China imported 344,000 metric tons, 80 % more than in January-February 2004. It remains to be seen, whether the trend will continue, especially after the coming Chinese barley harvest.

Purchases of 600,000 metric tonnes of Canadian and about 500,000 metric tonnes of Australian barley are now accompanied by purchases from the EU, estimates run from 50,000 to 100,000 metric tonnes, mainly six-row winter barley Esterel from France, but also some Scarlett spring barley, according to analysts. Part of the sales from Canada and Australia, but all EU sales are shipped by container.